Monday, December 10, 2012

Nemo: "Fish gotta swim, birds gotta eat! #review & #holidayGiftGuide out on BluRay now!

FINDING NEMO - re-released onto disc, BLU-Ray and out of theaters,

The holiday sea-son is upon us! So quit clowning around and send out these fin-tastic Finding Nemo holiday cards!

Finding Nemo 3D is now available on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray Hi-def, DVD and Digital Platforms.

Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming!

These are the words stuck in our heads after watching this in Theaters (again) and on BluRay! The picture was fabulous, and the special features are not to be missed! My favorites were an old Pixar (who doesn't love Pixar shorts?) short about a Snowman stuck in a snow-globe written in 1989! I didn't know Pixar was around back then! Silly me!

I also really enjoyed the "Aquarium" feature available on the BluRay menu, which turns your television into a virtual aquarium. it was serene and peaceful in my ever chaotic house, and brought a littler zen! I hope I remember to put it on next time it gets crazy up in here!

You know, Nemo and I go waayyy back, actually! When my eldest was very small it was her favorite movie. I know this sounds absurd but back then I didn't have cable or a big collection of movies like we do now, so we watched it over and over and over...

Well.. it was her favorite. I will always remember her sitting in her bouncy seat- she couldn't have been very old, because it hadn't been on disc long then, and shes 7 (and a half) now.. but she wasn't big enough for tummy time, and it was the first thing she laughed hysterically at! She was in her exersaucer the next day-- just crackin' up! You know-- in the cute way babies do? At the very beginning of the movie when marlin and Nemos mom, Coral are chasing each other around and also a minute or two later-- after she dies (damn you Disney!) where Marlin is chasing Nemo. She thought the brightly colored fish with their captivating dialect was hilarious. She was right! It is!

It is still funny, and this is one of those movies most people can quote.

My favorite parts are when the Teacher, "Mr Ray!" sings to them "Let's name the zones.. the zones -- the zones! Let's name the zones of the Ocean Sea!"

............ "Thereeeesss mesopolagic, bathyal, abyssalpelagic! All the rest are too deep for you and me to seeeeee!" Our favorite character is of course, Crush the Sea Turtle!

Lol.. sorry! Had to go there!

The whole movie is filled with things like that- so if you haven't seen it, you are missing it, and you really should watch it, especially with kids in your life. Cousins, brothers, sisters, nieces nephews, even friends children.

Now normally, I wouldn't recommend most children's movies for adults, but this is one that is timeless for the whole family.

So much were we excited that it was in theaters, that we took our youngest, Devonny to see it in 3D. It was a disaster I'm not even going to lie, but still a memory, as when I think back to the first movie she ever went to, it will always be Nemo.

I'm next excited to see Monsters University!

If you want to buy this fabulous BluRay disc, it's available for purchase at many fine retailers , Target, WalMart, Amazon, Best Buy, the Disney Website, naturally!
So go get your copy!!! the average price among these websites is about $27 right now!

Tomorrow look for my review of The Odd Life of Timothy Green, another family favorite must-see Disney hit!

Thanks for reading!

Director Andrew Stanton compares looking at the alternate opening that got replaced to looking at your school photos and worrying that you look like a dork

Preview Link: http://www.totaleclips.com/player/Splash.aspx?custid=907&playerid=69&bitrateid=461&formatid=20&clipid=e121002&affiliateid=-1

Embed Code

Director Andrew Stanton discusses how he eventually came to tell the story of Finding Nemo in a linear fashion rather than using flashbacks which are a film school no-no

Filmmakers reminisce about working with Albert Brooks (Marlin) and the alleged theft of a stapler in the 4th grade!

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IMDB says 2016 is slated for the next Finding Nemo, Finding Nemo 2. I hope this true, and cant wait to see it!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Your experience with the product may differ from mine. The sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment and will be shipping the winner(s) their prize(s). For more information read my rules/disclosure policy.

Crane #review & #giveaway for Penguin Air Purifier 12/30 arv $80

We love our Crane Adorables Penguin Air Purifier and you will love it too! It is not only cute, but the kids adore it, and with every reason to adore it, you will too!
When we got it- Devonny (age 2) seemed to think it was her personal toy! She's all; "My fan!" Ha!

Its small enough not to be in the way, but has three speed settings. You can find it in many fine retail stores, and of course it's available online on the Crane website, OR on other retailers as well.
The average price for this Air Purifier is only $79.99!

I love that it has a germicidal UV light, and is whisper quiet. I also love that it has a very long cord, and like a true HEPA filter, removes 6 allergens from the air. There is even a safety feature that causes it to turn off if knocked over by pet or baby! I definitely rest easier at night knowing this little cutie is keeping our air cleaner!

In case you missed it, I recently did another review for Crane. I reviewed Oscar the owl a cool mist humidifier. I also loved it, and am becoming a fast fan of all of their products!
If the Penguin isn't your favorite, then you've just got to see the Frog and the Shark! The shark would make the perfect accessory for a little boys room, and the frog would look cute in a playroom!

PENGUIN ADORABLE AIR PURIFIER

Helps remove airborne allergens, bacteria, viruses, germs 
Germicidal UV light targets viruses and bacteria
Neutralizes harmful fumes and common household odors from tobacco, pets, garbage, cooking 
5 level filtration system to deliver germ free, fresh air 
True HEPA filter captures up to 99.97% of airborne dust and pollen 
Tip over switch and auto shutoff safety sensor
Easy-to-change filter 
3-speed control with low noise setting for continuous, quiet operation

Description

Model #EE-5065

Length: 10.1", Height: 16.6", Width: 10.1"

Five level filtration helps remove airborne allergens, bacteria, viruses and germs.

Germicidal UV light kills viruses and bacteria to deliver germ-free fresh air.

True HEPA filter captures up to 99.97% of airborne dust as well as pollen as small as 0.3 microns from air passing through the filter.

HEPA Filter also helps reduce smoke, mold spores and pet dander.

Active carbon filter captures large particles as well as common household odors caused from tobacco, pets, garbage and cooking by absorbing them in the active carbon filter.

Photocatalyst filter works in conjunction with the internal UV light to create advanced oxidation that eliminates airborne odors and neutralizes odors and harmful fumes.

Washable particle filter uses a foam filter to help capture larger airborne particles and helps to extend the life of the HEPA filter.

Three-speed control has a low noise setting for continuous quiet operation.

Easy-to-change filters.

Tip-over switch with auto-shut-off function.

AHAM-certified.

Crane helps keep it simple., knowing that you can buy a replacement UV light for $14 OR the filter set for $24.99! I think this would make the perfect last minute gift for a friend or family member for their whole family! I can see why anyone would love this little penguin, I know we do!

This giveaway will end on 12/30 at 11:59 pm or when the widget stops taking entries. The widget also reflects remaining time for this giveaway! The winner will be announced at the top of the widget, and on this blogs Facebook page, in addition to being emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to confirm prize and shipping address before another winner is chosen. If you have an problems with the widget, first try refreshing the page. Then try a different browser.
Be sure to check out my other giveaways as they all offer extra entries for entering other ones! TY for reading and entering here at Locomotion of Expressions!

Also, check out this Rafflecopter giveaway for a $50 GC to Hearthsong! 12/30 as well!

Extra long product cord is very useful.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The filter, day 1.

The filter tonight, 1 month after daily use in our very dusty house.

Pertinent links:

See other Crane products
See what shoppers are pinning on Crane
@Crane_USA
Facebook.com/CraneUSA

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Your experience with the product may differ from mine. The sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment and will be shipping the winner(s) their prize(s). For more information read my rules/disclosure policy.

Hearthsong review of Sleeping Bag Sillies™& $50 GC for winner!! #HolidayGiftGuide 12/30

Sillies Sleeping Bag with Plush Pillow

$69.98

Eash of the portable, adorable Animal Sleeping Bags is appliquéd with bright colors and comes with a soft, plush pillow pal and removable accessory. They're surprisingly easy to tote—the bag and pillow fold up in a flash transforming into a bag with a handle at the top. Front-load machine washable.

For ages 3 and up.

• Easily portable sleeping bag
• Appliquéd with bright colors
• Comes with soft plush pillow pal and removable accessory
• Folds up to become its own carrier with a built-in handle
• Front-load machine washable

Available Styles
Kitty with fish
Monkey with banana
Puppy with bone
Bunny with carrot

Size
Carrying bag: 27"L x 17"W
Pillow: 22"L x 17"W
Unfolded Bag: 53"L x 28"W

We absolutely love this! I had a little trouble with the folding up and toting it. I think it could use a velcro or something to help with the weight, or maybe I am just not folding it right?
My girls lit up with delight when they got it!!!
The pillow rests on top of the sleeping bag. It's a little short for my 7 year old, but she is freakishly tall. I love the other designs it comes in too, like Rabbit, Dog and Monkey!
I like how the sleeping bag comes with a cuddle "toy" tiny pillow that compliments the sleeping bag!
The Cat came with a Fish, the Rabbit comes with a Carrot, the Monkey comes with a Banana. The Dog comes with a Bone!
The pillow is big and oh so soft!!

The sleeping bag itself is thick and plush and soft! I wish I fit in it!!
It zips up one side and can be machine washed in cold water- I wouldn't recommend drying it though!

It's another really cute item from Hearthsong! It is also an item exclusive to their site! I know Hearthsong doesn't always carry the same items, so order it now while you can, in case they replace it with something later!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will end on 12/30 at 11:59 pm or when the widget stops taking entries. The widget also reflects remaining time for this giveaway! The winner will be announced at the top of the widget, and on this blogs Facebook page, in addition to being emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to confirm prize and shipping address before another winner is chosen. If you have an problems with the widget, first try refreshing the page. Then try a different browser.
Be sure to check out my other giveaways as they all offer extra entries for entering other ones! TY for reading and entering here at Locomotion of Expressions!~

Facebook.com/HearthSong
Pinterest.com/hearthsong
@hearthsongtoys

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Your experience with the product may differ from mine. The sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment and will be shipping the winner(s) their prize(s). For more information read my rules/disclosure policy.

Enter this giveaway for a boys or girls winter jacket! Ends 12/15: http://1caseycolette.blogspot.com/2012/11/holidaygiftguide-rothschild-jacket.html#ixzz2E7Ybvb6Q

Saturday, December 8, 2012

MagnaColor by Tech4Kids #HolidayGiftGuide + #review

Magna Color 3D Magic, allow you to color and create in real 3D. Magically transform designs into vibrant 3D artwork by using the Magna Color, as seen onTV, magnetic design studio and colorful 3D Magic dots.

The unique pens allow you to place the 3D magic dots to color in the stencil design. Draw your designs with the dots, stick on your 3D glasses and watch your artwork jump off the screen!

When finished sweep the dots back into the sorting system and watch the 3D magic dots sort into their individual colors to start again. Whether you use a stencil or create your own design on the 3D Magnetic Design Station and use the Magic Dot Pens to draw colorful works of art. Put on the 3D Ultra Visions Glasses and watch the images pop off the screen in real 3D.

The Magna Color 3D Magnetic Design Station magically transform designs into vibrant 3D artwork by using the magnetic coloring studio and colorful 3D Magic dots. Use the revolutionary pens to color in the design stencils, then put on your 3D Ultra Vision Glasses to watch your artwork jump off the screen in real 3D! When finished, sweep the dots back into the sorting system to sort them back into their individual colors again. With all pieces self-contained in the unit, this innovative crafts toy allows for no-mess playing!

Best part:
(Magic Dots are non-magnetic and extremely safe for kids!)

Magna Color is a specially designed magnetic drawing studio with a screen sweeper that impressed industry guru Dr. Toy who named it one of her Top 10 Creative Toys for 2012.

“Tech 4 Kids has gone back to the drawing board to reinvent the board itself,” wrote Dr. Toy in her review. “Each creativity station gives kids an innovative designing world to generate 3-D artwork, allowing them a new way to let their creativity run wild. The unique magic dot pens allow children to place the 3-D dots to color in the stencil design by either creating a single spot or make trails of multiple dots by running the pen across the screen. When finished, they sweep the dots into the sorter compartment and watch as the dots magically return back into the pens with absolutely no mess.”

- Replacement Pen Comment from the company: A small quantity of product shipped this past summer included malfunctioning pens. As a company dedicated to high quality product, Tech 4 Kids, the manufacturers of Magna Color, would like anyone with malfunctioning pens to contact them at the following email: toys@tech4kids.com for a set of free replacement pens and dots.

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Here is what I think:

My kids LOVE this toy! My only problem with it is it is not recommended for kids under the age of 4. Why? Because they will stick it in their mouths, which has been a problem. It's not as easy as "keeping it away" from the 2 (& a half!) year old, as there is no "escape" for my seven year old from her, and she will have a FIT if she doesn't get to play! I have had quite a time cleaning this toy up off the floor, but that's because my children are messy and careless and oblivious to the fact that I do NOT want to be their personal assistant/maid.

I love that this product puts storing it and solves a problem, but they still end up in the floor with the kids fighting over it. I myself had a chance to play with it, and I was having a blast! The pre-cut sheets make it easier for smaller kids to get the hang of it, but you can also "draw" free form and come up with your own images. You can make whatever your imagination tells you to! Limitless! There are plenty of "dots" and I experienced no problems while using this toy.

The 3D wasn't as "wow" as I was expecting but the kids thought that was the coolest part!

Other than that.. I think this toy is PERFECT for gifting to the child in your family this Christmas. It says recommended for children ages 4-6 But I think it would be appropriate for kids up to age 11. I love that it brings out the kids artistic creative play, and Giana has a real flair for designing pictures with it.

When Devonny will stop screaming long enough to not snatch it from her I mean.

I don't know guys-- right now (for me) it is hard to have toys that aren't compatible with BOTH kids simultaneously because Devonny just doesn't understand.

Additional Details
Ages: 4+
Weight: 2.0
Made In: CHINA
Includes: Special designed magnetic drawing studio with screen sweeper, 4 Design stencils, 4 Unique colored pens , 160 Pcs of 3D magic dots in 4 different colors. , 1 Pair 3D Ultra Vision glasses Features self contained sort and store system, no mess solution to activity toys. Ages 4+

BUY THIS TOY NOW at Toys R Us for only $29.99!!

Facebook.com/MagnaColor

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Your experience with the product may differ from mine. The sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment and will be shipping the winner(s) their prize(s). For more information read my rules/disclosure policy.

MonaMeLisa Designs Peel & Play "Monster Girls" #giveaway + #holidayGiftGuide ends 12/30 arv $80 + 60% off coupon code!!!

Mona MELisa Designs

We offer interactive wall playsets & customizable canvas decor for kids! Name signs, wall murals and growth charts - choose a name, change skin, hair and eye color and pick from other fun features! Mona MELisa Designs offers their customers the most unique and customized children's growth charts, wall murals and name signs in the marketplace. By allowing customers to choose different color schemes to fit any room décor, add names to any of the growth charts or name signs and choose customized characters and features for each growth chart, wall mural or name sign, each child gets to display and own a unique masterpiece! Customers can choose from different hair, eye and skin colors for each character featured on their chosen piece of artwork and in this way, the artwork is special to each child who receives it.

They have Canvas Artwork

Girls - Ballerina, Beach, Fairy Garden, Fancy Girl, Farm, Flower Garden, Flower Name, Giraffe, Mermaid, Monkey, Mother Earth, Ocean, Princess, Patriotic

Boys - Baseball, Cowboy, Dinosaur, Farm, Fireman, Football, Giraffe, Monkey, Monster, Ocean, Patriotic, Pirate, Sports, Transportation

PEEL & PLAY

Doll, Race Car, Ocean Boy, Ocean Girl, Jungle, Farm, Pony, Cars/Trucks, Dinosaur, Flower Garden & Fairy. More to come!! They have also released the accessory packs to go with farm, ocean boy, ocean girl, jungle & doll. The accessory packs integrate with our full size sets to offer even more fun!

Here, Giana is checking them all out, getting ready to have a go at her new play stickers! Kids love stickers & decals, and this is like both combined into one!!!

Giana is really into Monster High and this Peel & Play set looks scary similar! It's called Monster Girls, but I do not want boys to be left out of this giveaway-- so if you win and you have a little boy, you can opt for the Peel & Play ROBOTS which are also VERY wicked cute!!! There are, of course, other BOY Play Sets & naturally, other GIRLS Play Sets and even add on accessory sets!!!

You should also know, they have gorgeous Growth Charts and personalized murals as well!

She was tickled to death to get it and has played with it a ton. I can tell you from personal experience they peel and re-stick wonderfully! I was skeptical about how long they would last and so far they have held up!

I like it when she gets really excited about a review/product like this one, it makes me feel good!!

There have been a few pieces that have gotten dirty when not immediately re stuck onto the wall, and they had to be tossed, but it should go without saying that it could be a potential problem. I fussed at her to take better care of them since they are cute and not cheap, and so far so good!

Listed below is a discount code for you my loyal readers to use. This code is an ongoing code that offers you 60% off any of their products. LocoEx 1012 You can also use the discount code CCBS 1212 for 60% off any website order.This is an ongoing offer and can be used over and over again without limits.

Does the PEEL & PLAY Set damage walls or wall paper?

No, the PEEL & PLAY fabric will stick great to all types of materials except fabric and brick. HOWEVER, it can be removed over and over with no damage to wallpaper, paint or wood.

If the PEEL & PLAY interactive wall play sets have debris such as dog hair, dirt or carpet fibers on the back, the adhesive will be compromised and you may experience a loss of 'stick' on your wall. We have tried a couple of things that have helped with this issue:

#1 - Try using a lint roller to remove pet hair and larger pieces of lint, dust and dirt.

#2 - Use a slightly damp baby wipe or dish towel to wipe/push the dirt, dust and hair to the edge of the PEEL & PLAY piece.

#3 - Remove the materials from the PEEL & PLAY piece with your fingers.

#4 - Try not to stretch the PEEL & PLAY piece when you are removing the debris.

DO NOT SCRUB THE ART OR USE CLEANERS!

You can see a video here for a demonstration of our suggested cleaning method.

How long will the 'stickiness' last?

We have been using our prototype for the last 12 months with regular play (everyday) and it still sticks great to the walls. The material was originally manufactured to be applied to building and billboards and taken down, moved, etc. It is very durable.